AUSTIN – More than 44 years before Charlie Strong was hired at Texas, Raymond Clayborn dreamed of playing there. Enchanted by the mystique of his state’s flagship program, the Fort Worth teenager cheered the Longhorns all the way to the 1969 national title.

“It didn’t matter that they never had anyone who looked like me,” Clayborn said of the team that turned out to be college football’s last all-white championship squad. “I wanted to be a Longhorn.”

Sunday, Strong’s decision to do the same finally became official. Declaring his excitement about leading what he called “one of the premier programs in the country,” Strong assumed control of UT’s football program and became the first black men’s head coach in Longhorns history.

Strong, who spent the last four years at Louisville, was offered the job on Friday by UT athletic director Steve Patterson and accepted it Saturday night. He agreed to a contract worth $25 million over five years, although the deal must be approved by UT’s board of regents.

School president Bill Powers pronounced it a “historic day for the University of Texas,” while Clayborn – the former NFL Pro Bowler who was one of only eight black UT players in 1973 – called it “a very big deal.”

In a school news release announcing the hiring, Strong said the UT job was “an opportunity (he) couldn’t pass up.”

“Texas is one of those places that is always on your radar and a program anyone would dream of being a part of because you have a chance to compete on a national level every year,” said Strong, who’ll be formally introduced at a news conference Monday. “It’s special because it has such great history, pride, tradition and passion for football.”

Strong, 53, compiled a 37-15 record in four years at Louisville, including a 23-3 mark over his last two seasons. He replaces Mack Brown, who stepped down last month after 16 years as the Longhorns’ head coach.

Patterson said he considered as many as 30 other candidates, but didn’t make any other offers. He said Strong “was at or near the top of the list all along,” and said he filled UT’s criteria for “toughness, accountability, a great X’s and O’s coach, a good family man and a good recruiter.”

The UT athletic director acknowledged there were factions pushing for other coaches – billionaire donor Red McCombs, for example, lobbied for former NFL coach Jon Gruden — but Patterson said he’s confident he picked the right man.

“In any large organization, you’re going to have a lot of stakeholders with different opinions and different things that are important to them,” Patterson said. “The job of the executive is to wade through that and make the right decision.”

Born in Batesville, Ark., Strong played college football at Central Arkansas and became one of the nation’s most well-respected assistants during his tenure as Florida’s defensive coordinator from 2003-’09.

At Louisville, he took a program that went 15-21 under predecessor Steve Kragthorpe and led it to three bowl victories in four seasons. The highlight of his time with the Cardinals was the 2012 season, when they won the Big East beat Florida in the Sugar Bowl.

In 2013, Louisville had hopes of contending for a national championship with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who’s expected to be one of the top picks in this spring’s NFL draft. A loss to Central Florida in October derailed those aspirations, but the Cardinals still finished 12-1 and beat Miami in last week’s Russell Athletic Bowl.

Sunday morning, Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich praised Strong for the job he did with the Cardinals.

“His results were fantastic, but he did it the right way,” Jurich said. “He didn’t cut any corners.”

Jurich, who flew to Louisville from Colorado to meet with Strong on Saturday night, said Strong wanted to speak to him in person before announcing his decision. Jurich said he thanked Strong for all of his contributions, and didn’t hold his decision against him.

It’s also a job that makes Strong a trailblazer at a place that’s been historically slow to change. UT was one of the last major college football programs in the country to integrate, and Clayborn said alumni have been waiting for years for the Longhorns to hire a black men’s head coach.

But he said what excites him most about the hire is not Strong’s race, but his track record.

“We’ve been underachieving for several years, and I think he can turn things around,” Clayborn said. “I hope they commit to him the same way they committed to all of the other coaches.”

Texas' Mike Davis (1) catches a pass for a first down in front of Texas Tech's Bruce Jones during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Mike Davis (1) catches a pass for a first down in front of Texas Tech's Bruce Jones during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Carrington Byndom (23) breaks up a pass intended for Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Carrington Byndom (23) breaks up a pass intended for Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech's Baker Mayfield (6) runs past Texas defender Jackson Jeffcoat (44) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas Tech's Baker Mayfield (6) runs past Texas defender Jackson Jeffcoat (44) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: eric gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech punter Ryan Erxleben (26) runs across the goal line with teammate Eric Ward (18) as he scores on a fake punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. less

Texas Tech punter Ryan Erxleben (26) runs across the goal line with teammate Eric Ward (18) as he scores on a fake punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, ... more

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) tries to make a catch over Texas defender Carrington Byndom (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The pass was incomplete. less

Texas Tech's Eric Ward (18) tries to make a catch over Texas defender Carrington Byndom (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The pass was ... more

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Johnathan Gray (32) runs past Texas Tech defender Tanner Jacobson (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Johnathan Gray (32) runs past Texas Tech defender Tanner Jacobson (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Case McCoy (6) is pressured by Texas Tech's Pete Robertson, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas' Case McCoy (6) is pressured by Texas Tech's Pete Robertson, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas Tech's Bruce Jones is taken off the field by a stretcher and cart after he was injured during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Texas Tech's Bruce Jones is taken off the field by a stretcher and cart after he was injured during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texas' Case McCoy (6) fumbles the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. Texas kept possession of the ball.

Texas' Case McCoy (6) fumbles the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, in Austin, Texas. Texas kept possession of the ball.

A military flyover prior to the Longhorns matchup with Oklahoma State at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

A military flyover prior to the Longhorns matchup with Oklahoma State at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images

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<center><strong>Texas 47, West Virginia 40 (OT)<br>Record: 7-2</center></strong><br>
West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkowski (35) tackles Texas' Daje Johnson (4) during the third quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

<center><strong>Texas 47, West Virginia 40 (OT)<br>Record: 7-2</center></strong><br>
West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkowski (35) tackles Texas' Daje Johnson (4) during the third quarter of their NCAA college ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Mario Alford, right, looks over his shoulder as he runs past Texas' Duke Thomas for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Mario Alford, right, looks over his shoulder as he runs past Texas' Duke Thomas for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Charles Sims (3) slips a tackle from Texas' Steve Edmond (33) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Charles Sims (3) slips a tackle from Texas' Steve Edmond (33) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas' Mike Davis (1) and Malcolm Brown (28) celebrate Davis' touchdown during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas' Mike Davis (1) and Malcolm Brown (28) celebrate Davis' touchdown during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas' Mike Davis (1) makes a catch between West Virginia's Daryl Worley (7) and Travis Bell (26) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas' Mike Davis (1) makes a catch between West Virginia's Daryl Worley (7) and Travis Bell (26) during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov.9, 2013. ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Kevin White (11) is brought down by several Texas defenders during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Kevin White (11) is brought down by several Texas defenders during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia quarterback Paul Millard (14) throws to a receiver during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia quarterback Paul Millard (14) throws to a receiver during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) throw to a receiver during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) throw to a receiver during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkoski (35) tackles Texas's Johnathan Gray (32) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Nick Kwiatkoski (35) tackles Texas's Johnathan Gray (32) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia's Sean Walters (13) and Ricky Rumph, bottom, tackle Texas's Daje Johnson during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia's Sean Walters (13) and Ricky Rumph, bottom, tackle Texas's Daje Johnson during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas' Peter Jinkens (19), Antwuan Davis (24), Johnathan Gray (32), M.J. McFarland (85) and John Harris (9) celebrate in front of their fan section after the team's 47-40 win in overtime over West Virginia during an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas' Peter Jinkens (19), Antwuan Davis (24), Johnathan Gray (32), M.J. McFarland (85) and John Harris (9) celebrate in front of their fan section after the team's 47-40 win in overtime over West Virginia ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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West Virginia fans cheer in the student section during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

West Virginia fans cheer in the student section during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Texas won 47-40 in overtime. (AP ... more

Photo: Chris Jackson / Associated Press

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Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) is sacked by West Virginia's Will Clarke (98) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson) less

Texas quarterback Case McCoy (6) is sacked by West Virginia's Will Clarke (98) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Christopher ... more

Malcolm Brown (28) finds a hole and runs in to score a touchdown during the first half.

Malcolm Brown (28) finds a hole and runs in to score a touchdown during the first half.

Photo: LM Otero / Associated Press

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Jordan Moore #29 of the TCU Horned Frogs carries the ball against Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns, Malcom Brown #90 of the Texas Longhorns, and Cedric Reed #88 of the Texas Longhorns in the first quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. less

Jordan Moore #29 of the TCU Horned Frogs carries the ball against Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns, Malcom Brown #90 of the Texas Longhorns, and Cedric Reed #88 of the Texas Longhorns in the first ... more

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Case McCoy looks to throw a pass.

Case McCoy looks to throw a pass.

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Kendall Sanders #2 of the Texas Longhorns pulls in a pass against Kevin White #25 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter.

Kendall Sanders #2 of the Texas Longhorns pulls in a pass against Kevin White #25 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter.

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Casey Pachall #4 of the TCU Horned Frogs is sacked by Jackson Jeffcoat #44 of the Texas Longhorns as Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns assists in the third quarter.

Casey Pachall #4 of the TCU Horned Frogs is sacked by Jackson Jeffcoat #44 of the Texas Longhorns as Chris Whaley #96 of the Texas Longhorns assists in the third quarter.